Destiny beta is back early

Bungie last night launched the second half of the beta for Destiny - a day ahead of their planned schedule. The studio announced the news on Twitter, saying: "If you have codes, share 'em. If you have a code, download the game. If you have the game, share it. All embargoes are lifted. Beta is live!"

According to the studio, they completed their planned maintenance early, much to the delight of eager Xbox-owning gamers who've yet to sample the delights of Bungie's follow-up to Halo.

The beta requires a hefty install (first you download the installer, then the game proper), so while you wait check out our recent preview of the beta (there's gameplay clips in there too, and more here if that's not enough). The beta includes several new story missions, a couple of fresh multiplayer maps not seen in the alpha, and it will run until July 27.